Review: Bhāratavarṣa meṃ Jāti‑Bhed
Summary
Professor Kshitimohan Sen’s Hindi work Bhāratavarṣa meṃ Jāti‑Bhed (‘Caste in India’) is reviewed as a valuable contribution to the study of the caste system. Caste has been criticised by social reformers and politicians, but such critiques often ignore its historical context. Sen traces the evolution of caste and shows that in the early period it was relatively elastic; only later did it become rigid. He notes evidence of opposition to rigid caste even in some Purāṇas and in the Mahābhārata. The book thoroughly discusses various aspects of caste with references to ancient and modern works, aiming to clear misconceptions. The reviewer says that specialists and general readers alike will find the work useful and interesting. Sen is already known for his research on medieval mystics (sants), and this book reinforces his reputation. By presenting caste historically rather than polemically, Sen offers a nuanced view of one of India’s most complex social institutions.
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Conclusion
The review concludes that Bhāratavarṣa meṃ Jāti‑Bhed enriches our understanding of the caste system by grounding it in historical evidence. Sen shows that caste was once flexible and that reactions against rigid caste appear in classical texts. His balanced approach, drawing on diverse sources, makes this book a valuable resource for scholars and general readers interested in Indian society.